Mumbai : Advocate Swapnil Neela Narendra Inamdar has submitted a representation to the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Justice of India, urging the authorities to discontinue the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and conduct all future elections through ballot papers.
In his representation dated July 26, 2026, Inamdar argued that restoring paper ballots would strengthen transparency in the electoral process and enhance public confidence in democratic institutions. He said the petition was aimed at reinforcing constitutional values and ensuring greater public trust in elections.
The representation contends that ballot papers provide a more transparent voting and counting process, as the counting of votes takes place in the presence of candidates’ representatives and can be physically verified. It further argues that paper ballots make recounts simpler in the event of disputes and eliminate concerns associated with electronic voting systems.
Inamdar has also referred to international examples, stating that several countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland, rely on paper-based voting systems after discontinuing or not continuing electronic voting methods. He further cited Supreme Court observations emphasising transparency and voter confidence in the electoral process.
In his prayer, the advocate has requested:
- Immediate discontinuation of EVMs in Lok Sabha, Assembly and Local Body elections.
- Conducting all future elections through ballot papers.
- Allowing greater public observation during the counting process alongside authorised representatives of political parties.
- Providing a robust mechanism for recounts after vote counting wherever required.
The representation concludes that restoring public confidence in elections is fundamental to constitutional democracy and urges the constitutional authorities to examine the proposal in the interest of transparency and public trust.
The Election Commission of India has consistently maintained that the EVM-VVPAT system used in India is secure, tamper-resistant and backed by multiple technical and administrative safeguards. The Supreme Court has also upheld the use of EVMs while issuing directions from time to time on measures intended to strengthen voter confidence and transparency in the electoral process.
